Extended Family Photographer in Victoria, BC
Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins together, with photos that show how your family has grown.
There’s something special about seeing every generation in one frame. Grandparents holding the newest baby, cousins piled on a blanket, siblings who are now parents themselves. These are the photos that end up on every fridge and in every frame, and they only get more precious with time.
I’m Alyssa, a lifestyle photographer based in North Saanich. Extended family sessions are a little bigger and a little busier than a regular family session, and I love the happy chaos. My job is to keep things relaxed, make sure nobody feels stiff or rushed, and capture both the big group and the small, tender moments within it. Before we meet, the questionnaire you fill out helps me learn who’s who, so I can greet everyone by name and know which little cousin needs a bit of extra time to warm up.
Sometimes grandma simply needs a new photo for her wall. Let’s make it one she’ll love.
How an Extended Family Session Works
We’ll usually begin with the full group while everyone is fresh and tidy. From there, we’ll move through smaller groupings, then finish with relaxed, playful moments once people have warmed up.
My family packages include immediate family, meaning mom, dad and kids. Additional people, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins or friends, can be added for a small per-person fee. You’ll find the details on my Investment page, and I’m always happy to answer add-on questions.
- The whole family together.
- Each household on its own.
- Grandparents with all the grandchildren.
- Grandparents with their adult children.
- Cousins together, usually the silliest set of the day.
- A few quiet portraits of grandparents on their own or as a couple.
Choosing a Location That Works for Everyone
With a larger group, comfort matters more than a dramatic view. I’ll suggest places with short, easy walks from parking and enough open space for everyone to spread out. If a grandparent uses a walker or tires easily, tell me ahead of time and we’ll choose accordingly.
A family home or backyard can be a wonderful choice too, especially if it’s the house where everyone grew up. It’s familiar, there’s a washroom nearby, and little ones can nap between photos. Locations farther than 25 km from North Saanich may carry a travel fee. My post on planning an extended family session with grandparents has more ideas.
Tips for a Smooth Session
A little coordination goes a long way. Choose a shared colour palette so each household looks connected without matching exactly, and share it with everyone a couple of weeks ahead. If teens are coming, give them a bit of say in their outfits. These tips for family photos with teens help keep them on side.
Most of all, plan for fun. Bring snacks, plan the session around naps and let the kids be kids. The best moments often happen in between the formal groupings.
On the day, let me lead. I’ll call out each grouping, keep things moving and give simple prompts, so nobody has to play organizer. You get to stand back, hold hands with your kids and simply be in the photos.
Questions families ask
How many people can be included?
Immediate family is included in my family packages, and extra people are a small per-person add-on. Tell me how many are coming and I’ll help you plan.
Will each household get their own photos?
Yes, I’ll photograph each household separately as part of the session. Your private online gallery makes it easy to share images with everyone.
Can we include a family pet?
Yes, pets are family too. Let me know in advance so we can plan when to bring them in and who will help hold the leash.
What if a family member is visiting from out of town?
Extended family sessions are a lovely way to make the most of a visit. Reach out with your dates and I’ll share my availability.
What should everyone wear?
Pick a palette of two or three colours and let each household choose outfits within it. Solid colours and soft neutrals look calm in a big group, and I’ll send a Pinterest style board after you book to help.
Let’s connect
Tell me a little about your family and the session you have in mind, and I’ll get back to you with dates and ideas.